Tezpur
Assam Litchi Goes to Dubai
Key Points
·
APEDA facilitated the first export consignment of GI-tagged Tezpur
Litchi from Assam to Dubai on 7 June 2026, marking a major milestone
for agricultural exports from India's North Eastern Region.
·
The shipment consisted of 1 metric tonne of Tezpur Litchi, a
premium fruit known for its:
o Exceptional sweetness
o Bright red colour
o Distinctive aroma
o Superior eating quality
·
Popular Tezpur Litchi varieties include:
o Bombaya
o Bilati
o Elaichi
o Piyaji
o Sahi
·
The Geographical Indication (GI) tag has enhanced the product’s
identity, authenticity, and recognition in international markets.
·
The export highlights the growing global demand for India's GI-tagged
agricultural products and showcases the export potential of Assam and the North
Eastern Region.
·
Farmers linked to the export supply chain received around 10% higher
prices than prevailing domestic market rates, improving their income
prospects.
·
The initiative is expected to:
o Create new international marketing
opportunities for litchi growers.
o Encourage greater participation in
export-oriented value chains.
o Support sustainable livelihoods for
farmers.
·
APEDA has been promoting agricultural exports from the North East
through:
o Infrastructure development
o Quality certification support
o Capacity-building programmes
o Export-oriented production practices
o Market linkage initiatives
·
The successful shipment is expected to pave the way for larger future
exports and strengthen the global presence of Assam’s GI-tagged products.
Significance
The export of GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi
to Dubai represents a significant step in connecting Assam’s farmers with
global markets, enhancing farmer incomes, and strengthening India's
agricultural export basket through value-added, region-specific products.
[ABS News Service/09.06.2026]
The Agricultural and Processed Food
Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce
& Industry, facilitated the first export consignment of GI-tagged Tezpur
Litchi from Assam to Dubai on 7 June 2026, marking a significant milestone in
expanding international market access for agricultural products from the North
Eastern Region.
The one-metric-tonne consignment
comprised GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi is one of Assam's most celebrated
horticultural products, renowned for its exceptional sweetness, bright-red
appearance, distinctive aroma and superior eating quality. The region cultivates
several notable varieties, including Bombaya, Bilati, Elaichi, Piyaji and Sahi,
which are widely appreciated for their distinctive flavour and quality
characteristics.
The Geographical Indication (GI)
status has strengthened the identity and market recognition of Tezpur Litchi,
enhancing its appeal among international buyers and creating new opportunities
for premium agricultural exports from Assam. The export also reflects the
growing acceptance of India's GI-tagged agricultural products in global markets
and highlights the immense export potential of the North Eastern Region, which
is home to a diverse range of high-value agricultural commodities.
The consignment was ceremonially
flagged off in the presence of Member of Legislative Assembly, Tezpur, Prithiraj Rava; Agriculture Production Commissioner,
Government of Assam, Smt Aruna Rajoria,
IAS; Chairman, APEDA, Abhishek Dev, IAS; District Commissioner, Sonitpur, Ananda Kumar Das, ACS; and representatives of M/s
DMR Green Valley Agro Fresh Pvt.
Ltd. The event was attended by farmers, exporters, officials of the Government
of Assam, senior officials of APEDA and other stakeholders.
A key outcome of the initiative has
been improved returns for farmers. Growers associated with the export supply
chain received nearly 10 per cent higher prices compared to prevailing domestic
market rates despite strong local demand. The shipment has created new
marketing opportunities for litchi growers and is expected to encourage greater
participation in export-oriented value chains, contributing to enhanced incomes
and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
APEDA has been actively promoting
agricultural exports from the North Eastern Region through infrastructure
development, quality assurance and certification support, capacity-building
programmes, export-oriented production practices and market linkage initiatives.
Through sustained engagement with State Governments, Farmer Producer
Organisations (FPOs), exporters and other stakeholders, APEDA continues to
facilitate the integration of farmers into global value chains and create new
export opportunities for region-specific agricultural products.
The successful export of Tezpur
Litchi to Dubai is expected to pave the way for larger export volumes in the
future and further strengthen the global presence of Assam's GI-tagged
products. The initiative reflects APEDA's continued efforts to promote agricultural
exports from the North Eastern Region while connecting Indian farmers with
international markets.
The Agricultural and Processed Food
Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was established under the APEDA
Act, 1985, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. APEDA is mandated to
promote the export of scheduled agricultural and processed food products and
supports exporters, farmers and FPOs through quality development, capacity
building, infrastructure assistance and market promotion initiatives. Through
these efforts, APEDA continues to drive value addition, market diversification
and enhanced export opportunities for Indian agricultural products.